EU takes Ireland to court over wastewater failings

Ireland is being taken to the European Court of Justice for failing to upgrade wastewater treatment infrastructure. According to the European Commission, the country failed to ensure urban wastewater in […]

Ireland is being taken to the European Court of Justice for failing to upgrade wastewater treatment infrastructure.

According to the European Commission, the country failed to ensure urban wastewater in 38 towns and cities is adequately collected and treated to prevent serious risks to human health and the environment.

It also raises additional concerns about the failure to ensure a correct operating licence has been issued for the treatment plants serving the towns of Arklow and Castlebridge.

Member States had until the end of 2000 to ensure appropriate treatment of wastewater from places with a population of more than 15,000.

The Commission said it initiated the infringement against Ireland in September 2013, followed by warnings in September 2015 and 2016.

According to a recent Commission report, the main challenges Ireland faces is maintaining the important investments required for water services, given the urgent need to invest in the infrastructure.

ELN has contacted the Irish Government for a statement.

The Commission today issued final warnings to five Member States, including the UK, for breaching air pollution limits.

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